Behind every major operation, there is far more to it than simply putting out the flames. Specialised vehicles must be deployed to the scene, crews co-ordinated, water supplies organised, and hard-to-reach fires tackled from the air. At the same time, numerous helpers behind the scenes ensure that equipment, supplies and relief crews are all in place.
Thousands of helpers and weeks of operations
The operations carried out in 2026 demonstrate just how impressive this achievement is. In the Lesachtal valley in Carinthia, around 2,000 firefighters were called upon over 24 days of operations. In Eisbach-Rein in Styria, a total of around 2,500 firefighters were deployed during an operation lasting 17 days.
In Föhrenwald near St. Egyden in Lower Austria, as many as 800 firefighters were on site at the same time during two major fires. Hundreds of emergency personnel were also deployed in Tyrol and Vienna.
Teamwork on the ground and in the air
The coordination between teams on the ground and aerial support plays a key role. Helicopters can deliver water to areas that are virtually inaccessible by vehicle. This support is particularly valuable in steep and rugged terrain.
At the same time, the fire service must maintain its operational readiness in local communities. For whilst hundreds of firefighters are battling a forest fire, road traffic accidents, building fires and other emergencies continue to occur. The deployment of crews, specialists and equipment thus becomes a logistical feat.
More than 20 million euros for specialist equipment
Austria’s fire services have also prepared for these specific requirements from a technical perspective. Since 2020, more than 20 million euros have been invested from the fire service budget – supported by the Forest Fund – over a six-year period. This includes off-road special-purpose vehicles, firefighting rucksacks, collapsible containers, earthworks tools, special protective clothing and helmets, as well as water tanks for helicopters. Training and practice facilities have also been expanded.
An achievement made possible above all by people
However, people remain the key factor: more than 260,000 largely volunteer firefighters are on active duty across Austria. They train, undertake further training and are ready to help others round the clock.
#absolutelybrilliant when training, technology and, above all, countless hours of voluntary work come together to create a tremendous collective achievement that protects people, animals and our forests.
